South Carolina football: ranking each position group

Ranking South Carolina football’s position groups

DL

The defensive line returns its top sack leader in 2020, top sack getter in 2019, and two former five-star recruits. The group also added the nation’s reigning sack leader in Jordan Strachan, and should be the defense’s top position unit this year.

The line underperformed a bit last season, but there’s a ton of potential along the front four. Kingsley Enagbare finished second in the SEC in sacks per game last year, and he’s looking to land in the first round of the next NFL Draft with a solid senior season. Zacch Pickens and Jordan Burch will look to take the next step after arriving to campus as top 10 players nationally in their respective recruiting classes.

Also returning will be Aaron Sterling, who missed the 2020 season due to injury, but who’s hoping to get back to 2019 form when he notched six sacks. Upperclassmen Jabari Ellis, Rick Sandidge, and Devontae Davis will make an impact on the interior, while end Tonka Hemingway looks to build on a successful freshman campaign.

One of the biggest gets on the recruiting trail for coach Beamer over the offseason was the addition of Jordan Strachan, who tallied 10.5 sacks in 10 games last season at Georgia State. He figures to play at end in pass rushing situations, and is hoping his success transfers over to the SEC.

The Gamecocks are deep, and have a ton of past production up front. Being able to get to the quarterback should mask some deficiencies on the back end of the defense.

TE

Tight ends are another strength, and one that Shane Beamer and his new offensive staff look to utilize early and often. Nick Muse is the team’s leading returning receiver after recording 425 yards through the air last year. Jahiem Bell, Keveon Mullins, and Eric Shaw will add both quality depth and versatility.

Coach Beamer has stated multiple times over the offseason the emphasis that the Gamecocks will put on the tight end position. It’s an area where the staff believes they can exploit mismatches against opposing defenses and create big plays down the field.

One player that’s new to the program that could factor into those mismatches is transfer EJ Jenkins. Jenkins comes from St. Francis University, where he recently set a school record for touchdown receptions in a single season. The pass catcher stands at 6-foot-7-inches tall and has the size and speed to bully defensive backs. South Carolina figures to use multiple tight end sets for the majority of the year as they spread the ball to the offense’s top playmakers.